Welcome! My name is David Tomen, and I am the author of NootropicsExpert.com, my books Head First 2nd Edition – The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements and (FREE!) Secrets of the Optimized Brain, and my Nootropics Expert YouTube channel.
I started Nootropics Expert® in January 2016. You can learn more about my story and why I started Nootropics Expert over on my About Page.
You can quickly see the nootropic supplements that I personally use every day on this page: What I Take
And if you’re in a hurry, go to this page to Buy Nootropics.
I also do Personal Consultations if you could use some help choosing the best nootropic supplements for you. You’ll find my calendar here: Nootropics Expert Consultations
How Nootropics Can Help You
You can end your search now. Because here on Nootropics Expert you’ll find the help you have been searching for. No matter the brain health problem that is making your life miserable.
Here you’ll find information on this List of Nootropics which has dozens and dozens of links to nootropic supplement reviews that I’ve written, and update as soon as new science becomes available. In a language that is easy to understand.
You’ll learn where each supplement comes from, how it works, the benefits you can expect, how much you should use and how often, possible side effects, and how to select from dozens of options – which one to buy.
NOTE: Every single word on Nootropics Expert is written by me. It’s not an AI or a contract copywriter.
You will also discover that everything I write about a supplement is supported by peer-reviewed clinical studies. You will not find links to other websites or blogs.
Instead, you will find dozens of clickable links in each supplement review and article to supporting and relevant clinical studies.
So you have the option of reading the same research I found and used to write my reviews and articles.
My hope is that if you’re overwhelmed by the fragmented information for nootropics spread across several websites, you can end your search on what has become the best nootropics website.
Quickly find out how one nootropic may interact with another. Which ones are safe. And which nootropic supplements have side effects. I will cover all that here.
Use my Nootropics Guide to get more familiar with the top nootropics and different types of cognitive enhancers and what they do. Soon you’ll be able to safely build your own nootropic stack.
I’m happy you’re here. Because you should be able to find everything you need to know about nootropics on Nootropics Expert. No need to go anywhere else.
Armed with this knowledge you can choose the best nootropics for you, and finally start experiencing the benefits you’re working to achieve.
Where to Buy Nootropics
Once you’ve decided which nootropic supplements you’d like to try, how do you know which is the best supplement to buy?
I’ve done the homework for you and put together a list of nootropic brands and supplements. Most of which I personally use and highly recommend.
You’ll find the highest quality, purest nootropic supplements on this page.
The Definitive Guide to Nootropics
A nootropic is a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning.
Neuro-hacking and the research behind brain modulation, nootropics, and biohacking in general is a constantly evolving and improving science.
We cover all that in The Definitive Guide to Nootropics.
The Big List of Nootropics
Nootropics cover a broad category of compounds with cognitive boosting properties.
They have minimal side-effects and are appropriate for long-term use.
The Big List is a quick reference guide for nootropics. Learn what it’s for, how it’s used, side effects, interactions and dosing suggestions.
The Best Nootropics
Achieving brain optimization comes with a lot of trial and error. Experimenting to see what works best for you. But spend enough time in the nootropics community, and you begin to see patterns develop.
After you try the latest edition to the racetam-family of nootropics. Most biohackers settle into the nootropic that works best for each category of; cognition & focus, memory, energy & motivation, anxiety & depression, and brain repair & maintenance.
The “Best Nootropics” page is a distillation of what I have found to be the best nootropics for each category of brain optimization. You’ll find a list of the best nootropic compounds for each category. And links through to more detailed articles for each category.
Hi David,
which nootropics would you recommend for Endometriosis
Best regards
Nathalie WAQUET
Nathalie, Endometriosis falls under the category of Urology and we deal with the human brain on Nootropic Expert. Not the female reproduction system. Sorry.
Hi David
Look forward to booking a session with you in the future
What’s your opinion on stacking L tyrosine with NAC? Do you think it would result in additive benefits or contraindication (via competing mechanisms, binding sites, or metabolic cascades)? Any particular benefit or drawback you can think of with this combo ?
Thanks for your amazing work
Ed, stacking L-Tyrosine with NAC works because NAC helps restore dysfunctional dopamine receptors. More healthy and functioning dopamine receptors means dopamine has something to bind to once it is converted from L-Tyrosine.
What are your thoughts on NAD? And NAD+ complexes, they claim they can increase it, but I’m not sure how “Nicotinamide riboside”/hydromalate, works in the brain, but I saw research by David Sinclair who gave NAD directly to mice, and they had no side effects during natural aging in old age, unlike placebo mice that looked terrible in old age.
Maybe there is already a possibility of eternal youth, and they are hiding it from us?
After all, even genes can already be altered by Elizabeth Parrish’s BioViva Crispr/cas9, telomere and muscle regeneration.
oops, I mixed up “NAD’ WITH “NAD+”
This is my research on NADH: https://nootropicsexpert.com/nadh/ and my research on Niacin: https://nootropicsexpert.com/vitamin-b3-niacin/
There is clinical evidence for example with Long-COVID that those who have had the virus are very deficient in NAD+. But it turns out that supplementing with NAD+ did not raise their NAD+ levels. On the other hand, supplementing with plain, old niacin (nicotinic acid) did increase NAD+ levels.
I suggest that you read my research including how it works in your brain for each of the above. And read the section for each on “How does *** feel?” and see what real users experienced for each.
I suspect my 19-year-old son has fetal alcohol syndrome. He struggles with memory, organising thoughts, general brain fog, and low energy. He has always performed poorly academically but please be clear he is a great lad and I am very proud of him.
He is at present much happier, alert and energised possibly due to a combination of acetyl L carnitine (500 mg twice a day), coq10 (100 mg twice a day) and alpha lipoic acid (300 mg twice a day). He does appear to be a different lad.
However, following viewing one of your YouTube videos, I have purchased the nootropic Aniracetam, which will come in capsules of 400 mg. I have also purchased some alpha gpc and was thinking of replacing the L carnitine and coq10 with these new supplements to see how he gets on. If he feels happy and wants to continue, I may consider suggesting reintroducing them although I don’t want to over stack him, especially as he is still very young. I would be interested in your view if that’s okay?
Paul, do NOT eliminate ALCAR and CoQ10. Your son needs those as cofactors and work with Alpha GPC to produce acetylcholine. Along with a BioActive Multivitamin.
Try adding 500 mg L-Tyrosine twice per day and see how that works.
If t took powered gaba and let it dissolve under my tongue is it more bioavailabe
Gary, probably not. GABA is primarily produced in your gut and some of it makes it to your brain. Sublingually means you are bypassing your gut. Use PharmaGABA and it’ll get to your brain in less than 30 minutes.
I have a consultation coming up and you ask for blood test results and current supplements but you don’t have anywhere posted your email ????
Arturo, you can include those notes in the form you filled out for the consultation. Or you can simply reply to the confirmation email you received and I will get it.
I do NOT need blood tests (unless they are hormones like testosterone and thyroid). But I do need your current list of supplements, current list of meds, current health issues and what you want to accomplish from our consultation.
Hi David, I am a male 52 years old. Was recently diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) with PET scan scheduled. Doc wants me to start taking donepezil, and escitalopram. I am in good health with no other health conditions, and currently not taking any prescription drugs. I have a reasonably good diet with some vitamins and supplements. What stack would you recommend or would I do better with Mind Lab Pro? Are the two drugs they are prescribing accelerate my cognitive decline? Please Help, Thank You
Dale, donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donepezil). We have several natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which are far safer to use.
And Escitalopram is an SSRI and particularly nasty (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escitalopram).
I highly recommend that you read this article carefully: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/. You can restore brain function with the material on that page. If you need more help I suggest an hour with me and I’ll help you get your brain working the way you want: https://calendly.com/davidtomen/60-minute-consultation-with-report
Hey, David
Do you have any research or opinion about Fasoracetam to share?
Thanks, I’ll be glad to hear your thoughts
I have found zero peer-reviewed human clinical studies showing Fasoracetam beneficial for anything.
Hi IM lee
I have a drinking problem. i dont drink to get durnk at all . i need it feel normal.i seen about phenibut that could help this drinking problem what do u recommend I do thanks GOD BE WITH U
Lee, if you have problems with alcohol I highly recommend that you avoid using Phenibut. Because it can be highly addictive especially with someone who tends towards addiction.
L-Glutamine (https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-glutamine/) is a far safer choice and should help reduce your cravings for alcohol.
I am just starting to take the flush Niacin from Costco. I cut a 500 mg in half one 1/2 at lunch 1/2 at dinner.
My sleep has me dreaming like crazy,causing me to be bagged out upon rising.
I have not saw this in any list of side effects,any ideas?
I may cut this pill down to 1/4 of a 500 mg pill to start with — 125 mg
Can you contact me at my email please and Thank you R
Ryan, if niacin causes lucid dreaming it’s likely because of increased blood flow to and within your brain. 125 mg should be effective and all you need.
Hi again david
Do the supplements listed in your article work better in conjunction or do they not necessarily affect each other’s efficiency?
Leo, it depends on which article you are referring to.
Hi david
Would getting a lumbar puncture i.e an analysis of my cerebro spinal fluid be useful in helping leaky brain? I have tried many of the things listed on your site but with limited and varied success. Is there something that only a doctor could prescribe me that might help? Something like an antibiotic or steroid?
Leo, have you tried the suggestions in this article? https://nootropicsexpert.com/how-to-heal-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/
I do not see how a lumbar puncture would help heal a leaky brain.
Serious question here
What would happen if I shoved a probiotic up my rectum instead of going through the stomach because the acid in the stomach kills 90% of the probiotic or is there a certain method of doing this? or can one just shoved the pill up there what about the prebiotic going in there at the same time?.
I heard you say somewhere this could be a more effective way
James, there is limited evidence that at least some probiotics can be more effective if administered through an enema. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20737210/)
Hello,
I am new to this site, and I may have undiagnosed ADD that I struggled with for 25 years. Teachers have always gotten onto me about not paying attention in class, and my grades also suffered dramatically for it in middle school, along with my performance in other areas such as sports. My grades did improve in high school, but it was still a struggle to stay focused, and learning the information. I’ve always felt like classmates, and coworkers today are always ahead of me when it comes to learning. What may take an average person 10 minutes may take me hours. I also noticed that it has sometimes affected my daily life such as being very forgetful about certain things when I’m at work. I also tend to forget conversations very easily. What supplements do you recommend for improving focus, memory, recall, information processing, and executive functioning? What would you also recommend for anxiety and depression?
I know this will not be a quick fix, but I would rather stay off the prescription medications, and try to keep it as natural as possible.
Thanks
Chad, the ‘side effects’ of ADD can include anxiety and depression. Once you take care of your ADD it often includes reducing anxiety and depression. You do that by following this protocol: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
David,
I’m really enjoying your Youtube videos, and I especially like the selectable subtopics for each one.
You suggested NALT for workouts, and you were right! I’m 63 and very active athletically, and I’m a powerhouse on NALT.
My question is, can I add Phenylalanine to NALT? I’m currently taking 350 mg of NALT twice per day. Or should I use just one or the other? Or NALT in the morning and Phenylalanine.
Lee, I suggest staying with NALT since it is working for you and forget about Phenylalanine. You do not need it. A better idea is increase your NALT dose to 500 mg.
Oh okay, I’m on it.
Thanks very much.
Hi David, I’m really enjoying your website, so informative! I was just wondering if your book, Head First, will be available as a physical book soon? I like to give my eyes a break from the screen. Thanx.
John, the 2nd Edition of Head First is at the publisher and they just sent me the gallies yesterday to review. And as soon as I review and approve them it will be available in Hard Cover.
David will you be sending out emails to let us know when its available.
Gary, I absolutely will be sending out emails during the launch/release of the 2nd Edition of Head First. Our community will be the first to hear about it.
I was very pleased at what the research has shown. What scares the most is big Pharma, when that gentleman asked about adderal being a nootropic was an amazing discovery, but for me I am not going into that drug seeking behavior, I am taking specific reason, I am older now and I remember taking in my 40’s and had terrific results. If I mixed ginko, with genseng, and a little beepollen,(optional) and I had no ED problems whatsoever, and upon remembering that I decided to buy a bottle today at London Drugs, and it was at a reasonable price. I also got some vitamin C, as it is cheap and its good for the winter, and I take vitamin D3 for the winter because Vancouver, Canada can be gloomy and dark for long periods of time resulting seasonal depression disorder and D3 is good for me for 3 or 4 months.I enjoyed the presentation so far, thanks ladies and gentlemen, your team is on to something, I also love plants and the power of them.
Dennis, Adderall is NOT considered a natural nootropic supplement. I consider it a “smart drug” because you need a prescription in most countries to get Adderall.
And the research shows it’s only effective if you are clinically, truly ADD or ADHD. Otherwise it can have the opposite effect and harm your brain.
Most reasonably healthy adults can dramatically improve cognition, learning, and memory by using the right natural nootropic supplements.
I was told by a Psychiatrist that Adderall if taken for long periods of time can stop your body from producing it’s own neurotransmitter, Dopamine!
That is a terrible thing!
I would like for David to explain what he meant by his reply on October 27, 2022, that: “it can have the opposite effect and harm your brain.”
Thanks!
Sheila, that may be true of someone who is not clinically ADHD or ADD. But I’ve seen zero science to support that. So I suggest asking this psychiatrist to prove it.
What the science does demonstrate is Adderall may be effective for helping the symptoms of ADHD or ADD in someone who is clinically diagnosed with this condition. The same science shows anyone who is not clinically ADHD or ADD and is using Adderall recreationally will end up with cognition problems.
David, I have only just now discovered you. I will be ordering the books. I am kinda in a hurry and, therefore, would rather not spend months of study. My Mom and I live together and she is the family treasure. She is soon to be 99. Very full of life. Something that must have been mild occurred a few months back to her speech and memory. I attributed it to a bad UTI but believe it to have been a stroke that was not witnessed. She has had fresh squeezed orange juice every morning for five years and on Q10 and a few others. In short, I would consider a consult if there is something that can bring it “back.” I sincerely believe she can be helped. She is frustrated over “communicating” Your thoughts if you have the time and thank you for your help and research.
Jo, once someone has a stroke there is only so much you can do especially at an advance age. But there is some information in this article which should help you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-the-aging-brain/
UTIs are a stealth stealer of cognition. Several acquaintances have had good results after being treated for an undiagnosed UTI.
Hi! What supplement would you suggest for oppositional defiant disorder? My son has been such a problem starter at home. It’s heart breaking
Heather, combined with psychotherapy and social skill training the only ‘drugs’ that have shown limited success have been lithium and Ritalin (if he is also ADHD).
The closest natural nootropic supplement in this case is Lithium Orotate (https://nootropicsexpert.com/lithium-orotate/).
How much for him? He is 12
Heather most Lithium Orotate supplements contain 5 mg lithium and the rest is orotic acid. I am not qualified to recommend anything for someone who is underage. I suggest doing a search and see if you can find a forum or thread somewhere that has a parent with similar experience with Lithium Orotate for a 12 year old.
Hello David,
I am reading carefully all your content and I think is amazing
I would like to know if you consider as a nootropics adderall, modafinil and those compounds that are related to anphetamines.
Do you think it is a safe use to use them without a medical prescription¿
Thanks a lot
Victor, I consider those “smart drugs” and NOT natural nootropic supplements. See what I think of them here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/do-brain-enhancing-drugs-work-know-the-risks/